A proposal folder is the last thing a client holds before they decide. If your firm hands over drawings, a fee proposal or a listing package, the folder is part of the pitch. Here are six companies that print them, compared on the same order.
Full disclosure. I own the first company on this list. I have printed pocket folders for over 30 years, and I ranked these the way I would want a vendor ranked for me. Every price is from the printer’s own website so you can check my work.
How they compare on the same folder
The folder is a 9 x 12 with two pockets, 14 pt stock and full color on the outside.
| Quantity | Wholesale Pocket Folders | Vistaprint | Company Folders | Smartpress | PrintPlace | UPrinting |
| 100 | $239 | $400 | $519 | $529 | $606 | $1,269 |
| 250 | $359 | $570 | $626 | $710 | $1,015 | $1,303 |
| 500 | $499 | $1,000 | $787 | $1,042 | $1,144 | $1,360 |
| 1,000 | $587 | $1,400 | $1,093 | $1,185 | $1,394 | $1,473 |
| 2,000 | $870 | $1,700 | $1,748 | $2,141 | $1,933 | $2,143 |
Prices are for a 9 x 12 two pocket folder on 14 pt stock with full color on the outside, at each printer’s standard turnaround, before shipping and tax. I read them from each printer’s own website between October 30 and November 12, 2026. They can change.
1. Wholesale Pocket Folders. Best overall
Wholesale Pocket Folders is the lowest price on every row. It is 40 percent under the next lowest at 100 folders, 37 percent under at 250 and 500, 46 percent under at 1,000 and 49 percent under at 2,000. Standard paper is 14 pt C2S, coated both sides. Standard turnaround is 2 business days and a 1 business day rush is about $75. The minimum is 10 folders for $81, and you can buy a single folder for $74 to see one first. Start with the S-01E economy folder if price is the main thing.
2. Company Folders. Best for unusual styles
They carry more folder styles than anyone, including foil and embossing. You pay for it. 250 folders were $626 and 1,000 were $1,093 on 14 pt C1S, which is coated on one side. Minimum is 50. Their page lists delivery in 3 to 10 business days.
3. Vistaprint. Best if you already buy everything there
Easy to order and everyone has an account. Minimum is 100 folders at $400. 1,000 folders were $1,400. When I checked on November 12, the free delivery date for 100 folders was November 30.
4. Smartpress. Best for odd quantities
You can type any quantity you like. 1,000 folders were $1,185 on 14 pt C1S and standard turnaround is 7 business days.
5. PrintPlace
250 folders were $1,015 and 1,000 were $1,394 on 14 pt with an uncoated back. Standard turnaround is 5 business days.
6. UPrinting
Fine at larger runs, very expensive on small ones. 100 folders were $1,269. Standard printing time is 4 business days.
Three things to ask any folder printer
What paper is this quote on? The ladder goes 12 pt C1S, 12 pt C2S, 14 pt C1S, then 14 pt C2S. A lot of cheap looking quotes are on a one side coated sheet. Thicker two side coated paper is how the trade judges a quality folder.
Do you gang run? Most big online printers do. Gang run means your folder is printed on the same press sheet as other customers’ folders, postcards or business cards. The printer waits for the sheet to fill up before printing, which is why you see 4, 5 and 7 day turnarounds. Your color also depends on what is next to you on the sheet, so reorders can come back shades off. We do not gang run.
What kind of proof do I get? A PDF proof is looked at on an RGB monitor, so it is never exact. We can email you a photo of your actual press sheet before the run. That is a real proof.
Our record
Over 13.5 million folders in about three and a half years with fewer than 20 reprints. We print on a Fujifilm J Press with a G7 calibrated process. About 5 million folders have gone out this year and not one customer has called to say the paper was too thin.
Who should not order from us
If you need 25,000 folders or more, I would print in your own state and do a press check in person. For the 100 to 5,000 folder orders most firms place, there is no reason to pay double.
Quick answers
Who is the best presentation folder printing company?
Wholesale Pocket Folders, in my opinion and on the numbers above. Lowest price of the six, two side coated 14 pt paper and a 2 business day standard turnaround.
What does it cost to print 250 presentation folders?
$359 at Wholesale Pocket Folders. The other five ranged from $570 to $1,303 for the same folder.
How long does folder printing take?
2 business days at Wholesale Pocket Folders, then UPS from Phoenix. UPrinting, PrintPlace and Smartpress list 4, 5 and 7 business days for standard production.
Can I order folders if I only have a logo?
Yes. Our free online designer has the folder die line built in. Import the logo and center it. If you get stuck, contact us and we will place the logo on the front for free.
